Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway: Nearly 500 Miles with Mile Post Markers

Traversing the majestic landscape of the Appalachian Highlands, the Blue Ridge Parkway is more than a road—it’s a portal to some of America’s most breathtaking natural and cultural treasures. Spanning 469 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, this scenic route beckons travelers with its unparalleled vistas, diverse flora and fauna, and rich historical tapestry. This comprehensive guide aims to unveil the myriad attractions that adorn the Parkway, each with its own story and beauty.

Dubbed ‘America’s Favorite Drive,’ the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a serene and leisurely route, free from the hustle of commercial traffic and the rush of the interstate. Here, the journey matters as much as the destination, with each turn revealing breathtaking vistas, hidden trails, and quiet spots to reflect and reconnect with nature. The Blue Ridge Parkway is not just a road; it’s a gateway to nature’s best experiences, from the tranquil beauty of a mountain morning to the spectacular sunsets over rugged peaks.

In this article and guide for the Blue Ridge Parkway, we’ve included a breakdown of all attractions all along the entire 470 miles of scenic parkway. We also provided a download of attractions in PDF format for your convenience. This is a great resource for those that want to visit certain segments of the Blue Ridge Parkway to find the best attractions along your visit.

Blue Ridge Parkway Attractions Grouped by Type

Here’s a summarized bullet point list of all attractions along the Blue Ridge Parkway, categorized by type (in descending order):

• Overlooks: 195
• Hiking Trails: 119
• Tunnels: 26
• Parking Areas: 23
• Parks & Attractions, Visitor Centers: 12
• Cabin Rentals: 11
• Waterfalls: 11
• Hotels & Motels: 10
• Bed & Breakfasts: 5
• Hotels & Motels, Lodging: 4
• Adjacent Parks: 3
• Area Information Centers: 3
• Parks & Attractions: 3
• Campgrounds, Parks & Attractions, Visitor Centers: 3
• Motorcycling: 2
• Attractions, Motorcycling: 2
• Restaurants: 2
• Campgrounds, Parks & Attractions: 2
• Wineries: 1
• Cabin Rentals, Lodging: 1
• Campgrounds, Lodging, Parks & Attractions, Restaurants: 1
• Appalachian Crafts: 1
• Campgrounds, Parks & Attractions, Waterfalls: 1
• Museums: 1
• RV Parks & Campgrounds: 1
• Attractions, Hotels & Motels, Lodging, Motorcycling: 1
• Motorcycling, Shopping: 1
• Ziplines: 1
• Shopping: 1
• Whitewater Expeditions: 1
• Attractions, Gem Mines, Shopping: 1
• Appalachian Crafts, Shopping: 1
• Parks & Attractions, Restaurants, Visitor Centers: 1
• Canoe Rentals: 1
• Parks & Attractions, Restaurants: 1
• Campgrounds, Lodging, Parks & Attractions, Restaurants, Visitor Centers: 1
• Hotels & Motels, Luxury Resorts: 1

Notable Mentions for Each Type of Scenic Attraction

Overlooks

1. Humpback Rocks Overlook (Milepost 5.8): Famous for its panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Allegheny Mountains.
2. Ravens Roost Overlook (Milepost 10.7): Offers stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is a popular spot for bird watching and sunset views.
3. Linville Falls Overlook (Milepost 316.4): Provides breathtaking views of Linville Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in North Carolina.
4. Linn Cove Viaduct Overlook (Milepost 304.4): A marvel of engineering, this overlook gives a view of the Linn Cove Viaduct as it weaves around the contours of Grandfather Mountain.
5. Waterrock Knob Overlook (Milepost 451.2): Known for its spectacular sunsets and panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
6. Graveyard Fields Overlook (Milepost 418.8): A unique landscape offering views of rolling meadows, forest, and waterfalls.
7. Craggy Gardens Overlook (Milepost 364.1): Famous for its rhododendron blooms in late spring and early summer, and offers expansive views of the surrounding mountains.
8. Peaks of Otter Overlook (Milepost 85.9): Showcases the Peaks of Otter and Abbott Lake, providing a picturesque scene particularly in the fall.

Hiking Trails

1. Humpback Rocks Trail (Milepost 6.0): A popular short hike leading to a rocky summit with excellent views.
2. Crabtree Falls Trail (Milepost 339.5): A moderately challenging hike that leads to the beautiful Crabtree Falls.
3. Rough Ridge Trail (Milepost 302.8): Offers stunning views of the Linn Cove Viaduct and Grandfather Mountain.
4. Linville Gorge Wilderness Area Trails (Milepost 316.4): Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” this area offers several trails with varying difficulty levels.
5. Graveyard Fields Loop Trail (Milepost 418.8): A unique highland meadow hike leading to waterfalls.
6. Craggy Pinnacle Trail (Milepost 364.1): A short hike leading to 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
7. Roanoke River Trail (Milepost 114.9): A leisurely hike that follows the Roanoke River and includes a wetland boardwalk.
8. Moses H. Cone Memorial Park Trails (Milepost 294): Offers a network of trails around Bass Lake and the historic Cone Manor.

Tunnels

1. Pine Mountain Tunnel (Milepost 399.5): The longest tunnel on the Parkway, offering a unique driving experience as it cuts through Pine Mountain.
2. Lickstone Ridge Tunnel (Milepost 458.9): Known for its picturesque surroundings, especially during the fall foliage season.
3. Bluff Mountain Tunnel (Milepost 53.1): Provides a dramatic entrance to the Bluff Mountain area, with scenic views immediately upon exit.
4. Devil’s Courthouse Tunnel (Milepost 422.4): Located near the popular Devil’s Courthouse Overlook, this tunnel adds to the mystique of the surrounding landscape.
5. Craggy Pinnacle Tunnel (Milepost 364.4): Just a short distance from the Craggy Gardens, this tunnel leads into a region renowned for its springtime rhododendron blooms.

Waterfalls

1. Linville Falls (Milepost 316.4): One of the most famous waterfalls on the Parkway, with multiple trails leading to various viewpoints.
2. Graveyard Fields Waterfalls (Milepost 418.8): Features two beautiful waterfalls, accessible via a loop trail through a unique mountain meadow.
3. Crabtree Falls (Milepost 339.5): A stunning 70-foot waterfall, accessible by a moderately challenging hike through a lush forest.
4. Cascades Falls (Milepost 271.9): A serene setting with a series of small cascading waterfalls, accessible via an easy loop trail.
5. Glassmine Falls (Milepost 361.2): An impressive 800-foot waterfall, visible directly from an overlook.

Special Features

1. Mabry Mill (Milepost 176.1): A historic watermill known for its picturesque setting and cultural demonstrations.
2. Peaks of Otter (Milepost 85.9): Offers a combination of natural beauty, hiking trails, and the historic Peaks of Otter Lodge.
3. Folk Art Center (Milepost 382): A hub for Appalachian crafts and culture, featuring galleries, exhibitions, and live demonstrations.
4. Moses H. Cone Memorial Park (Milepost 294): A historic estate with beautiful trails, the grand manor house, and a crafts center.
5. Julian Price Memorial Park (Milepost 297): Offers a large campground, picturesque lake, and various trails, including the popular Boone Fork Trail.

This comprehensive overview of attractions along the Blue Ridge Parkway covers a wide range of experiences, from natural wonders to cultural landmarks. Each category showcases the diversity and beauty of the Parkway, inviting travelers to explore its many treasures.

Mile Post Markers for the Entire Blue Ridge Parkway (with links)

We’ve constructed a helpful guide below for traveling the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway, with the entire list of overlooks hiking trails, parking areas, Bed & Breakfasts, and more.

• Quick link to download the Blue Ridge Parkway Table with all Mile Post Markers (PDF)

Wrapping Up an Epic Blue Ridge Parkway Journey

The Blue Ridge Parkway is more than just a road – it’s a living museum of cultural and natural history. It’s a place where time slows down, allowing visitors to explore the splendor of the Appalachian Mountains at their own pace. Each season offers a unique experience, from the blooming wildflowers of spring to the snowy scenes of winter. The Parkway encapsulates the essence of the Appalachian Mountains, making it a must-visit for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape.

As you journey through this comprehensive guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway, remember that each milepost marks not just a distance but a destination in itself. From the majestic overlooks and serene hiking trails to the historical landmarks and cultural sites, the Parkway is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. This article serves as your compass, guiding you to the hidden gems and well-trodden paths of this iconic American roadway. So, pack your curiosity and set off on an adventure that promises beauty, adventure, and serenity at every turn.

About the Author

Jason Merrill

Jason Merrill: Backpacking expert with 25 years of experience. Outdoor guide, thru-hiker (PCT & AT), wilderness 1st responder, & LNT master educator.

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